Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 7.11

“I am the strength of the strong, free from desire and passion; I am desire in beings, not opposed to dharma, O Arjuna.”
Key Teaching: Krishna is pure strength and dharmic desire in beings.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that he is the strength of the strong, free from desire and passion, and the desire in beings that aligns with dharma. This verse, continuing 7.10, addresses Arjuna’s emotional turmoil (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies divine qualities, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes dharmic essence, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s passionate distress (1.28–46) clouds his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s impure desires (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to embody pure strength for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.8).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human misuse of strength and desire, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on purity (6.27). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to align with dharmic desire. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine purity.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its righteous clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s energies, where dharmic strength prevails. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with pure strength, aligning with liberation.